Chapter 104 Flames of Conflict
Long Tian gripped his Uchigatana again, lightning crackled at his feet, and in a swift motion, he moved towards the man.
The blade of his sword gleamed with a sharpness that could cut through leaves. As it was about to strike the man's body, the sword slipped from his hand and fell to the ground.
"No iron allowed," the man said, grinning.
Long Tian was taken aback for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure.
"So, you want to fight hand to hand, huh? Very well," he said.
In the following moment, the tattoos on both his arms glowed with fiery red.
As he prepared to strike, the man suddenly appeared in front of him.
"You have to anticipate when your opponent will attack," he said, and then his fist moved towards Long Tian.
Yet, as his fist was about to land, Long Tian suddenly disappeared in a flash of lightning.
His eyes widened in surprise, and a voice came from behind, "And you don't know how fast your opponent is."
As he tried to react, a fist of fire accompanied by lightning struck his back, sending him flying forward, crashing into a tree.
Xia Xiao and the others, who was battling the black shadows, immediately noticed it, realizing that Long Tian was fighting the robed man from before.
They couldn't assist him because they were currently struggling against eight black shadows that were unassailable.
Meanwhile, the bald man slowly stood up, his expression showing seriousness.
Yet, at this moment, he saw Long Tian floating in the air, his arms ablaze with blue fire, his fist aimed at him.
He immediately assumed a defensive stance.
Bang!
Long Tian's fist managed to land, but he blocked it. Both of them exchanged a series of rapid punches. The runes on his body expanded further, while lightning accompanied Long Tian's fiery punches.
Bang!
Bang!
Bang!
Thump!
Thump!
The sounds of intense battle echoed through the forest. Xia Xiao and the others were still fighting the eight black shadows, while Long Tian was engaged in battle with the mysterious man.
---
Meanwhile, in another part of the forest...
Slash!
With one swift stroke, a bloodthirsty wolf, a one-star soul beast, was split in half.
Xia Qingyue stood there, her sword stained with blood. Around her lay eight corpses of one-star soul beasts.
Her gaze wasn't on the carcasses; it was fixed on a large rock in front of her. Her sword gleamed with sharpness, and the next moment, she slashed the rock.
Slash!
The rock split in half, revealing a scroll hidden within it.
Xia Qingyue smiled and took the scroll. As she was about to open it, she suddenly sensed something behind her. She turned and saw a familiar figure standing not far away.
"What do you want, Long Guan?" she asked, her tone calm.
"I heard the sounds of battle; little did I expect to encounter you so soon, Xia Qingyue. And as always, you are very strong," Long Guan praised.
However, upon hearing the praise, Xia Qingyue was far from pleased.
"Save your flattery, Long Guan. I have no interest in your opinions," she replied icily, her eyes narrowing.
Long Guan chuckled, seemingly unfazed by her cold demeanor. "Always so cold, Qingyue. But let's put that aside. I see you've found something interesting," he said, his gaze shifting to the scroll in her hand.
"It's none of your concern," Xia Qingyue retorted, her grip tightening on the hilt of her sword.
Long Guan raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Oh, I disagree. You see, we're all here for the same reason – power," he said.
Xia Qingyue scoffed. "You're delusional if you think I'd share anything I find with the likes of you. Now, if you're smart, you'll leave before you regret underestimating me," she warned, her aura turning icy and menacing.
Long Guan's smirk widened at Xia Qingyue's threat. "Oh, Yue'er, you misunderstand me. I don't want what you've found; I want you," he said, his tone oozing with confidence.
"You're even more foolish than I thought if you believe I'd ever be interested in someone like you," Xia Qingyue spat, her words slicing through the air like icy blades.
"I'm serious, Xia Qingyue. A girl as beautiful and strong as you deserves a man who is equal," Long Guan said.
"And do you think you're that man?" Xia Qingyue retorted.
"Isn't it obvious?" Long Guan replied, his smirk reflecting his arrogance.
"If you're so confident, let me remind you that this year's showcase was won by Long Tian. For me, he's far better than you," Xia Qingyue said, her tone sharp and disdainful.
Long Tian's name triggered a surge of anger in Long Guan.
"He's just a fortunate, spoiled brat. My dual martial spirit surpasses his by far. If we were to fight, I would undoubtedly emerge victorious," he declared, his voice laced with arrogance.
Xia Qingyue chuckled, the sound devoid of amusement. "Your arrogance blinds you, Long Guan. Talent and strength are proven in battle, not in empty boasts. If Long Tian won the showcase, it's because he earned it, not through luck but through skill," she said, her voice laced with disdain.
Long Guan's jaw clenched, his irritation palpable. "You defend him as if he's worth your admiration. I'll make sure he regrets standing in my way," he declared, his eyes ablaze with anger.
Xia Qingyue remained composed, her gaze piercing. "Your fixation on power blinds you to genuine strength, Long Guan. If I had a choice, I would pick Long Tian without a second thought," she said, her smile playful.
Long Guan's forehead veins bulged, clear anger etched on his face.
"You keep mentioning Long Tian, again and again. We're both alone here, and do you think I can't do anything to you?" he said coldly, his intimidating aura radiating.
Xia Qingyue showed no fear, matching his aura with her own. "I've never been afraid of you," she said coldly.
The two potent auras clashed, both of them in the realm of Flowing Qi, intensifying the atmosphere.
However, Long Guan's expression changed as he saw four cultivator-clad individuals emerging from the depths of the forest.
Recognizing them, he knew they were members of the Xia family.
"Tch," he clicked his tongue, dissipating his aura, and then turned around, walking away from the scene.
His anger still simmered within him. In his life, he was always overshadowed by the name Long Tian, a name that truly disgusted him.
"Just wait, Long Tian. If I encounter you in this forest, I will crush you!" he silently vowed.
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